For Vancouver, two straight losses on the road has left them in unfamiliar territory – under.500 while for the Oilers, a pair of shootout results has left them at the .500 mark after only two games.

Vancouver has lacked a spark early in the season and it has prevented them from getting off to fast, much-needed road starts.

Falling behind early on the road has been an all-too-familiar pattern – the Canucks have yet to score first in any game this season. Defense has also been an issue. The Top Six looks lost at times and have been guilty of scrambly play in their own end.

When Vancouver needs a save, Roberto Luongo has not exactly been solid in the nets.

Roberto Luongo has not exactly been solid

Edmonton has only played two games this season so far – they are a bit difficult to handicap ahead of Saturday night’s game.

They have looked OK with the youngsters and the older players gelling and with the goaltending thankfully holding its own. The Oilers will be without one of their top players however – oft-injured Ales Hemsky reinjured one of his surgically repaired shoulders and will miss Saturday’s game.

Still, with young guns Jordan Eberle and Taylor Hall improving and first overall pick Ryan Nugent-Hopkins lacing up the skates, Edmonton should be fun to watch!

Betting Prediction

Vancouver won four of six meetings between the clubs last season. Roberto Luongo is 18-9-1-2 with a 2.27 goals-against average and two shutouts in 30 games against the Oilers.

Vancouver is still an elite team despite the slow start. After two underwhelming games, expect the Canucks to show up in a big way Saturday. The Sedins have had their way with the Oilers in the past and I think the same holds true in this game. Vancouver is still without some of its high-end talent but they are still a better, deeper and suddenly more motivated team than the Oil.

Related

Dave B is from Beautiful BC. A Fantasy Football writer for 10+ years. A gambler, and a sucker for an early Vegas line. Loves to bet on the NHL, and NFL. A couch potato wannabe, BC Lions, Canucks, & Seahawks fan. Hope’s for world peace + global relaxation.Email: DaveB@NWSportsBeat.comDave B On TwitterLike Something I wrote? Hate it? Hit me back today I want to hear from you!